Like a lot of people, I hate to work out. Going to the gym seems like a chore and I’m great at coming up with excuses not to go, such as “It’s too far” or “I’m hungry. I’ll just make dinner first, and I have SO MANY other things to do.” My personal philosophy on exercise is that it should only be performed when disguised by nature or fun. So I have listed here a few ways that I have found to incorporate more exercise into my life.
1. Disguise walking with nature or a favorite other activity like window shopping.
I found a park near me with a walking and biking path that circles a pretty lake. I walk there on weekends to get out in the sun, enjoy the people watching and to disguise the workout by admiring the beautiful scenery.
Check out your city or county department of recreation, nature preserve, state park or bird sanctuary for planned nature walks and bird watching.
2. Buy or rent exercise videos.
Exercise videos do tend to get boring when watched repeatedly. But they are a good thing to have on rainy days when the park isn’t an option or there aren’t larger blocks of time in the day to devote to the gym. I have three that I rotate, one is a yoga and Pilates mix, one is an exercise ball targeted toning video and one is an aerobic dance video. I rotate them for variety, and when I get tired of listening to them, I mute the video and put on some activity-appropriate music instead. The only other investment to make might be items used in the videos, like a yoga mat or other flat mat, exercise ball or weights. I am a big fan of the large exercise ball. I’ve had mine for about 6 years. It’s good for balance, doing crunches, isometric leg strengthening and arm strengthening.
I recently discovered that my online movie rental provider also has exercise videos. This is a great way to try out new activities without having to invest a lot of money in the videos and a great way to vary the routine.
3. Try tai chi, Pilates or yoga.
Most gyms as well as colleges, universities and departments of recreation offer classes in at least one of these three activities. I have taken classes in all and even though I have physical limitations, there is almost always a way to modify the positions for these activities. For example, I have permanent contractures in both elbows, meaning I can’t straighten my arms out all the way or lock my elbows. I also have weak hands and some loss of flexion in my wrists. Some of the Pilates and yoga moves require supporting yourself on your hands, like push-ups. For these exercises, I hold the positions as best I can for a few seconds and then take a rest- the goal is to build up strength and hold the position longer each time. Or sometimes I support myself on my whole forearm instead of my hands, letting my shoulders do the work.
4. Take a ballroom dancing class.
I love to dance and ballroom dancing can really work up a sweat after a while, especially when learning faster dances, like the jive. Ballroom dancing lessons can be expensive, but often the local college, university or local department of recreation will offer classes for beginners. It’s also a relaxing and fun way to meet new people.
1. Disguise walking with nature or a favorite other activity like window shopping.
I found a park near me with a walking and biking path that circles a pretty lake. I walk there on weekends to get out in the sun, enjoy the people watching and to disguise the workout by admiring the beautiful scenery.
Check out your city or county department of recreation, nature preserve, state park or bird sanctuary for planned nature walks and bird watching.
2. Buy or rent exercise videos.
Exercise videos do tend to get boring when watched repeatedly. But they are a good thing to have on rainy days when the park isn’t an option or there aren’t larger blocks of time in the day to devote to the gym. I have three that I rotate, one is a yoga and Pilates mix, one is an exercise ball targeted toning video and one is an aerobic dance video. I rotate them for variety, and when I get tired of listening to them, I mute the video and put on some activity-appropriate music instead. The only other investment to make might be items used in the videos, like a yoga mat or other flat mat, exercise ball or weights. I am a big fan of the large exercise ball. I’ve had mine for about 6 years. It’s good for balance, doing crunches, isometric leg strengthening and arm strengthening.
I recently discovered that my online movie rental provider also has exercise videos. This is a great way to try out new activities without having to invest a lot of money in the videos and a great way to vary the routine.
3. Try tai chi, Pilates or yoga.
Most gyms as well as colleges, universities and departments of recreation offer classes in at least one of these three activities. I have taken classes in all and even though I have physical limitations, there is almost always a way to modify the positions for these activities. For example, I have permanent contractures in both elbows, meaning I can’t straighten my arms out all the way or lock my elbows. I also have weak hands and some loss of flexion in my wrists. Some of the Pilates and yoga moves require supporting yourself on your hands, like push-ups. For these exercises, I hold the positions as best I can for a few seconds and then take a rest- the goal is to build up strength and hold the position longer each time. Or sometimes I support myself on my whole forearm instead of my hands, letting my shoulders do the work.
4. Take a ballroom dancing class.
I love to dance and ballroom dancing can really work up a sweat after a while, especially when learning faster dances, like the jive. Ballroom dancing lessons can be expensive, but often the local college, university or local department of recreation will offer classes for beginners. It’s also a relaxing and fun way to meet new people.
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